CN102187584A - Antenna input adaptor device, communications system, portable electronic communications apparatus and method of communicating a radio frequency signal - Google Patents

Abstract

An antenna input adaptor device (306) comprises a first Radio Frequency (RF) input (316) for coupling to an antenna (318). The device also comprises a second RF input (322) for coupling to a portable electronic apparatus (200) capable of transmitting an RF signal, and an RF output (326) for coupling to an input of an RF tuner (302). A control unit (340) is also provided and arranged to couple the first RF input (316) to the RF output (326) and decouple the second RF input (322) from the RF output (326) in a first state and to decouple the first RF input (316) from the RF output (326) and couple the second RF input (322) to the RF output (326) in a second state, transition between the first and second states being responsive to the control unit (340).

Description

Antenna input adapter device, communication system, portable electronic commnication device and radiofrequency signal transfer approach

Technical field

The present invention relates to a kind of antenna input adapter equipment, it is that (for example) can be positioned at the type between antenna and the radio-frequency tuner (for example, the FM receiver in the vehicles) in line.The invention still further relates to a kind of communication system, it comprises the radio data system communication unit audio signal is sent to the type of radio-frequency tuner (for example, the FM receiver in the vehicles) for (for example).The invention still further relates to a kind of portable electronic commnication device, it comprises the radio data system communication unit to be used for audio signal is sent to the type of radio-frequency tuner (for example, the FM receiver in the vehicles) for (for example).The invention further relates to a kind of method that transmits radiofrequency signal, described method is sent to described radiofrequency signal the type of external RF tuner (for example, the FM receiver in the vehicles) from portable electric appts for (for example).

Background technology

Portable computing (portable navigating device (PND) that for example comprises reception of global positioning system (GPS) signal and processing capacity) is well-known and is widely used as vehicle-mounted or other vehicle navigation system.

In general, modern PND comprises processor, memory and is stored in the interior map datum of described memory.Processor and memory cooperation are set up operation system of software usually so that execution environment to be provided in this environment, and in addition, usually provide one or more extra software programs so that the hard to bear control of the functional performance of PND, and various other functions are provided.

Usually, these devices further comprise one or more input interfaces that allow user and device interactive and control described device, and one or more output interfaces, by described output interface, and can be with information relay to the user.The illustrative example of output interface comprises visual displays and is used for listening the loud speaker of output.The illustrative example of input interface comprises and is used for controlling the on/off operation of described device or one or more physical button of further feature (if device is implemented in the vehicles, so described button may not described device from one's body, but can be on steering wheel) and the microphone that is used to detect user speech.In a specific arrangements, the output interface display can be configured to touch-sensitive display (by touching quick overlay or other) so that input interface to be provided in addition, by described input interface, the user can operate described device by touching.

Such device also will often comprise: one or more physical connector interfaces, by described physical connector interface, electric power and (randomly) data signal transmission can be received electric power and (randomly) data-signal to described device and from described device; And (randomly) one or more wireless launcher/receivers, to allow the communication on cellular telecommunication and other signal and the data network (for example, bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, GSM, UMTS etc.).

Such PND also comprises gps antenna, by described gps antenna, can receive the satellite broadcast signal that comprises position data, and with the current location of the described signal of reprocessing with definite device.

PND also can comprise electronics free gyroscope and the accelerometer that produces signal, described signal can be treated with definite current angular acceleration and linear acceleration, and determine device and the speed and the relative displacement of therefore the vehicles of described device being installed wherein in conjunction with the positional information that draws from gps signal again.Usually, these a little features are provided in the interior navigation system of the vehicles the most commonly, but also can be provided in (if doing favourable like this) among the PND.

The effectiveness of these a little PND mainly shows on its ability of determining the route between the primary importance (usually, setting out or current location) and the second place (destination usually).These positions can be imported by in various diverse ways any one by the user of device, for example (for example by postcode, street name and number (house number), previously stored " as everyone knows " destination, famous position, municipal position (for example, stadium or swimming pool) or other point of interest) and favorite destination or the destination gone recently.

Usually, PND calculates the software of " best " or " the best " route that sets out between address location and the destination-address position and enables by being used for according to the map data." best " or " the best " route is based on that predetermined criterion determines, and the fastest or minimal path not necessarily.Guide driver institute along the selection of route may be unusual complexity, and that selected route can be considered is existing, prediction and dynamically and/or the traffic that wirelessly receives and road information, about the historical information of road speeds and driver for self preference of the factor of determining the road alternate item (for example, but driver's fixed route should not comprise highway or toll road).

But described device continuous monitoring road and transportation condition, and provide or select to change route, the route that on this route, will be left because of the condition that changes.Real-time traffic surveillance based on various technology (for example, mobile phone exchanges data, fixedly camera, the tracking of GPS fleet) just is being used for discerning traffic delays and information being fed in the reporting system.

Such PND can be installed on the instrument board or windshield of the vehicles usually, but also can form the part of the wireless airborne computer of the vehicles or in fact form the part of the control system of the vehicles self.Guider also can be the part of hand held system, for example PDA (portable digital-assistant), media player, mobile phone etc., and in these cases, the normal function of hand held system is expanded with execution path calculating with along the navigation of the route that is calculated by software being installed on the device.

Route planning and navigation feature also can be provided by the desktop or the mobile computing resource of the suitable software of operation.For instance, The Royal Automobile club (RAC) is provided at the circuit wire gauge at http://www.rac.co.uk and draws and navigational facility, described facility allows the user to import starting point and destination, so server (user's computational resource is communicated by letter with it) calculated route (it is specified that its each side can be the user), generation map, and produce one group of detailed navigation instruction, be used for the user is directed to selected destination from selected starting point.Described facility also provides the pseudo-three-dimensional rendering and the route preview function of the route that calculates, and described route preview function analog subscriber is advanced along described route, and provides preview to the route that is calculated to the user whereby.

Under the situation of PND, in case calculated route, the user just with the guider interaction randomly to select the desired route that calculates from the tabulation of proposed route.Randomly, the user can intervene or the guideline selection course, for example by specifying for specific route, should avoid or must follow some route, road, position or criterion.The route calculation aspect of PND forms a major function, and is another major function along the navigation of this route.

During the route guidance that calculates, this PND provides vision usually and/or can listen instruction, arrives the terminal point of described route to guide the user along selected route, promptly wants the destination.PND also usually during navigating on screen displayed map information, this information regular update on screen, make the current location of shown cartographic information indication device, and therefore represent the current location (navigating) of user or user's the vehicles if device is used in the vehicles.

Be presented at the current setting position of icon ordinary representation on the screen, and placed in the middle, wherein also be presented at current setting position neighbouring cartographic information current and road on every side and other map feature.In addition, randomly, can in above shown cartographic information, below or show navigator information in the status bar of a side, the example of navigation information comprises that the current road that need choose from the user is to next distance that departs from, the described character that departs from, this character can be by the further icon representation that shows the particular type (for example, left-hand rotation or right-hand rotation) that departs from.Also definite content, duration and the sequential that can listen instruction of navigation feature can be come along the route guiding user by described instruction.As understanding, the simple instruction that for example " turns left behind the 100m " needs a large amount of processing and analysis.As previously mentioned, the interaction of user and device can by touch-screen or additionally or alternati the remote controller by being installed in the control stick place, by voice activation or by any other proper method.

The prior function that described device provided is in the automatic route re-computation under the following situation: depart from the route that before calculated (unexpected or intentionally) during the user is navigating; Real-time traffic condition indication alternative route will be more favourable, and described device has suitable function with these a little conditions of automatic identification, if perhaps the user causes device execution path re-computation on one's own initiative for any reason.

Mention as mentioned, also known permission comes calculated route by user-defined criterion; For example, the user may prefer device and calculate scenic route, may wish perhaps to avoid that traffic jam may take place, expectation can take place or the current any road that is just taking place.Device software will then calculate various routes, and more favor comprises the route of a highest number focus (being called POI) (be noted as (for example) beautiful scenery is arranged) on the way, perhaps use the stored information of the transportation condition that is just taking place on the indication specified link, the grade of the delay that causes by possible obstruction or because of obstruction comes the route that calculates is sorted.Other also is possible based on POI with based on the route calculation and the navigation criteria of transport information.

Although route calculation and navigation feature are very important to the overall utility of PND, but described device might be used for purely information shows or " freely driving ", wherein only show the cartographic information relevant, and wherein do not calculate route as yet and install current in the execution navigation with current setting position.This operator scheme often applicable to when the user is known advance will along route and do not need to navigate when auxiliary.

The device of the above-mentioned type (for example, the GO 920 traffic types of being made and being supplied by Tom Tom International Private Co., Ltd (TomTom International B.V.)) is provided for making the user can navigate to the reliable approach of another location from a position.When the user was unfamiliar with the route of going to its destination that is just navigating to, these a little devices had very big effectiveness.

In order to use in the vehicles that promote PND, some PND are equipped with frequency modulation (FM) reflector, for example GO 920 type PND.Replace in the audio signal through amplifying by the loudspeaker reproduction of PND, the FM reflector carries out frequency modulation to audio signal and the described audio signal of emission at user option frequency.When in the vehicles, the user of PND will be positioned at the vehicles the FM broadcast receiver be tuned to the frequency selected of user, make the FM broadcast receiver receive audio signal, described audio signal through frequency modulation is carried out demodulation, and reproduce described audio signal via being coupled to the wireless loud speaker of FM through frequency modulation.Certainly, the FM broadcast receiver can be and can carry out FM and receive and comprise the change planes part of the interior entertainment systems of the vehicles of (multi-changer) and other facility of compact disk (CD) more.

It should be noted that mancarried device (for example, so-called MP3 player and/or mobile phone), wish to use the loud speaker of entertainment systems in the vehicles via the FM emission for other type.In fact, known these a little other mancarried devices have so-called short range radio (SRR) FM reflector audio frequency is transmitted into the FM receiver.

Yet the audio frequency emission of using the SRR reflector to carry out suffers some shortcomings.A shortcoming is the limited transmitting power of SRR FM reflector, and it can cause user experience to arrive bad audio quality sometimes.The described bad audio quality of so-called Faraday cage effect (Faraday cage effect) aggravation that metal body and the metal coating that uses with respect to vehicle window produce.In fact, described bad audio quality can partly show as himself bad stereophonics.In this respect, the bad received field intensity of RF signal causes lower channel separation and therefore causes only monophony or the reproduction of low quality stereo sound.

In addition, be limited and decide at the number of the available FM channel that uses for SRR of arbitrary free time preset time according to the position.FM channel " view (landscape) " (that is, using the operational FM channel of neutralization in the FM frequency spectrum) changes with the position, because in diverse geographic location different frequency is used for broadcasting.Therefore, when SRR just when a geographic area moves to another geographic area (for example, in the time of when SRR is placed in the vehicles of just advancing between the city in), relatively some the FM channels in more a spot of available FM channel no longer keep available, and previous in use other unavailable FM channel becomes available.This uses according to the FM frequency spectrum in the different geographic regions and becomes.Therefore, must be along with the frequency view changes and retuning SRR regularly.

About another problem that SRR ran into is when a SRR relatively closely approaches another SRR and locatees, and for example is at one group of traffic lights at two PND that use corresponding SRR actively that the corresponding vehicles are medium bides one's time.Under described situation, described SRR can serve as interference source each other.Under especially disadvantageous situation, the audio frequency navigation instruction that SRR launched of a PND in first vehicles is received by the FM tuner in the adjacent vehicles, thereby causes the driver of the described adjacent vehicles to follow the navigation instruction of adjacent PND rather than be located at the navigation instruction of the PND in these vehicles of receiving described instruction.In this respect, (mentioning as mentioned) can take place easily when described interference was being waited for traffic lights at two vehicles, and the instruction of mistake causes (for example) vehicles to turn at the traffic lights place rather than keep straight on.The problem of this type partly is that its probability that causes two adjacent S RR to launch on same FM channel is higher because the number of available FM channel as mentioned above is limited.In addition, use the problem of same FM channel only along with the number of the device that uses SRR increases and increases.

In order to alleviate described problem, known mancarried device uses extra tuner to search for available FM channel.Utilize radio data system (RDS) ability that entertainment systems (for example, RDS FM broadcast receiver) is had in many vehicles.On available channel, the mancarried device that is equipped with the RDS encoder (is for example launched (especially) program identification (PI) sign indicating number, program service (PS) title, " Tom Tom ") and replace frequency (AF) tabulation, described available channel and described AF tabulation are to be selected from mancarried device detected idle channels among the FM channel view of wherein operation.Described mancarried device is transmitting audio frequency test post on same available channel usually also.The formation and the emission of described PI sign indicating number, described PS title and described AF tabulation are the RDS technical specifications that is proposed according to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) (IEC).

AF is used for discerning its corresponding radio network by broadcaster usually.The frequency of AF tabulation indication of being launched and the contiguous reflector that is associated with the identical radio programming of the current radio programming that is just receiving of reflector.FM broadcast receiver in the vehicles use described AF to tabulate to select and keep be tuned to have the optimum signal intensity that is associated with consolidated network reflector.FM broadcast receiver storage from described transmitter receipt to described AF tabulation, and whenever the FM broadcast receiver be tuned to just upgrade described AF tabulation during different reflector in the described network.Yet under the situation of SRR reflector, the AF feature can be used for realizing the use of different frequency by PND, so that avoid the interference to main flow broadcaster and other SRR emission.

In the vehicles, for example the user is provided with the FM emission of the RDS information Recognition that the FM broadcast receiver launched from mancarried device and by mancarried device with scanning.When emission that the FM broadcast receiver has been found mancarried device and carried out, by mancarried device emission through frequency modulated audio signal (being generally audio-frequency test message) by the wireless loudspeaker reproduction of FM, and the wireless display of FM shows PS title (that is " Tom Tom " in this example).

Though the coincidence of using the functional FM of the minimizing channel of RDS to use in conjunction with SRR, the basic problem that bad audio quality reproduces may not be solved.In fact, can prove, use RDS in fact to reduce systematic function, can not be movable integrated form reflector and receiver simultaneously because RDS embodiment as described above need provide usually with respect to the SRR emission.In this, when carrying out frequency scan or signal strength measurement, reflector is not launched when receiver is activity.Therefore, the communication link between SRR and the FM broadcast receiver is interrupted, and this can cause the wireless user of FM to hear forte frequency " noise " and the destruction of listening to (for example, music and/or navigation instruction).

Regrettably, need carry out frequency scan clocklike, so that make PND or the proper operation in continually varying FM channel view under the situation that no user gets involved of other mancarried device.In addition, shortening frequency scan in fact runs counter to desire with the obvious interruption that single long frequency scan was caused of avoiding the FM frequency spectrum with a plurality of shorter frequency scans of execution (described a plurality of shorter frequency scans cover the FM frequency spectrum together), because the switching time of current SRR chipset is too slow, thereby the action of only cause stopping using reflector and activation receiver is exactly significantly, and this or even before any measurement generation.

Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, provide a kind of antenna input adapter device, it comprises: first radio frequency (RF) input, and it is used to be coupled to antenna; The 2nd RF input, its be used to be coupled to can the transmitting RF signal portable electric appts; RF output, it is used to be coupled to the input of RF tuner; And control unit; Wherein said control unit is through arranging with under first state, described RF output is coupled in described RF input, and described the 2nd RF input is exported decoupling from described RF, and under second state, described RF input is exported decoupling from described RF, and described RF output is coupled in described the 2nd RF input, and the transformation between described first state and second state is in response to described control unit.

Described control unit can be coupled to earthing potential with described RF input through arranging with under described second state.Described earthing potential is coupled in described RF input can makes the RF signal attenuation that receives via described antenna in use.

Described control unit can be through arranging receiving control signal in use, and carry out the transformation between described first state and second state in response to described control signal.

Can receive described control signal from portable electric appts.Can constitute described control signal by described portable electric appts RF signals transmitted.Described control unit can be through arranging to detect the RF signal from described portable electric appts.

In use, a plurality of RF signals with in frequency modulation (FM) the frequency spectrum associated frequency scope that receive in a described RF input can be in described second state following time, by described RF tuner to receive through attenuated form.

Described device can further comprise: first switch unit, and it is coupling between described RF input and the described RF output; And second switch unit, it can be coupling between described the 2nd RF input exports with described RF.

Described device can further comprise: the antenna switch unit, it is coupling between described RF input and the described earthing potential.

Described the 2nd RF input can be through arranging the wired connection that is used for receiving from described portable electric appts described RF signal with reception.

According to a second aspect of the invention, provide a kind of communication system, it comprises: antenna; The antenna input adapter device of stating about a first aspect of the present invention as mentioned, described antenna are coupled to the RF input of described antenna input adapter device; Wherein said portable electric appts comprises the RDS communication unit, and described RDS communication unit is coupled to the 2nd RF input of described antenna input adapter device.

Described RDS communication unit can be coupled to described the 2nd RF input by wired connection.

Described portable electric appts can be through arranging to store a plurality of replacement frequencies (AF) frequency; Described AF frequency can be on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially equably at interval.

Described portable electric appts can be through arranging to store a plurality of replacement frequencies (AF) frequency; Described AF frequency can be on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially at random at interval.

Described RDS communication unit can be through arranging to carry out with respect to each the scanning in described a plurality of AF frequencies.Can comprise with respect to each scanning of the AF frequency in described a plurality of AF frequencies near the frequency range described AF frequency is carried out frequency sweep (sweeping).

Described RDS communication unit can be through arranging with: identification in any AF frequency of using and stoping with respect to retuning and use described any AF frequency of being discerned in future.

Described FM communication unit can through arrange with in response to detect through tuned frequency just using by the emission source that is different from described portable electric appts and from described through the tuned frequency retuning to another frequency; Described another frequency can be one in described a plurality of AF frequency.

Describedly can use by radio broadcasting station through tuned frequency.

In described a plurality of AF frequency described one can be the available AF frequency that is not prevented from by described RDS communication unit use.

According to a third aspect of the invention we, provide a kind of portable electronic commnication device, it comprises: radio data system (RDS) communication unit, and it is used for audio signal is sent to the external RF tuner; Wherein said RDS communication unit is used to trigger by the decay of described external RF tuner via the RF signal of antenna wireless reception through arranging to produce radio frequency (RF) antenna switching signal in use.

Described RDS communication unit can be sent to described external RF tuner with described audio signal after arranging with the decay that is triggering described RF signal.Described RDS communication unit can through arrange with via described RDS communication unit be used for transmit described audio signal with connecting the wire communication port that lead-in wire is coupled to described RDS communication unit.

Described equipment can further comprise data storage, described data storage is through arranging to store a plurality of replacement frequencies (AF) frequency, and start-up phase is for each the scanning in described a plurality of AF frequencies, so that determine described each the availability in described a plurality of AF frequencies.

Described a plurality of AF frequency can be on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially equably at interval.

Described a plurality of AF frequency can be on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially at random at interval.

Can comprise with respect to each scanning of the AF frequency in described a plurality of AF frequencies near the frequency range described AF frequency is carried out frequency sweep, so that determine the whether available emission thereon of described AF frequency.

Described RDS communication unit can be through arranging to select to be confirmed as in the AF frequency in described a plurality of AF frequency an AF frequency of available emission thereon.

Described RDS communication unit can be through arranging with identification in the AF frequency of using and stoping with respect to retuning and use the described AF frequency of being discerned in future.

Described RDS communication unit can comprise traffic message channel (TMC) receiver; Described TMC receiver can be through arranging carrying out with respect to described each the scanning in described a plurality of AF frequencies, to determine described each the availability in described a plurality of AF frequencies.

Described TMC receiver can through arrange with during the empty slot of TMC broadcasting (for example, when time slot can not comprise the TMC content) carry out described scanning.

According to a forth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of portable navigating device, it comprises the portable electronic commnication device of stating about a third aspect of the present invention as mentioned.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of radio frequency (RF) signal is sent to the method for external RF tuner from portable electric appts, described method comprises: described portable electric appts issue RF antenna switching signal; Make any RF signal attenuation that receives via antenna wireless by described RF tuner in response to described RF antenna switching signal.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention, provide a kind of computer program element, it comprises uses so that computer is carried out the computer program code member of the method for stating about a fifth aspect of the present invention as mentioned.

Described computer program element can be embodied on the computer-readable media.

Therefore, the method of a kind of antenna input adapter device, communication system, portable electronic commnication device and transmission radiofrequency signal might be provided, it can be reproduced audio-frequency information by frequency modulation (FM) tuner that for example is placed in the vehicles, and described audio-frequency information is owing to the inhibition to other external source of the RF signal that receives via the antenna that is coupled to described FM tuner in addition has improved quality.Therefore can realize consistent stereophonics.In fact, because the difference of the RF signal of portable electronic commnication device and the difference in signal strength between the RF signal of decay, the automatic gain control (AGC) of described FM tuner is used for making the RF signal of having been decayed by described antenna input adapter device further to decay to lower level.In addition, the needs of retuning are reduced, and when being necessary retuning, more FM channel is available.Therefore, need less manual-reset adjustment humorous, reduce driver's workload whereby and therefore improve the safe handling of portable electronic commnication device and/or FM tuner.In addition, when the needs frequency scan, described frequency scan comparatively fast and therefore reduces the break period of scan period.Therefore, user experience is improved, because the frequency and the duration of the potential bothersome interruption of listening to reduced, and omits (for example) and can listen the possibility of navigation instruction therefore also to be minimized.Therefore, the user can not depart from the route of just following that calculates.The ability that stops the driver to depart from the route of just following not only reduces user's inconvenience, and improves the fail safe when driving.

Other advantage of these embodiment will state hereinafter, and each further details and the characterizing definition among these embodiment the following specifically describes other place in the content in appended independent claims neutralization.

Description of drawings

To only at least one embodiment of the present invention be described referring to accompanying drawing now by example, wherein:

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates for the exemplary part of the global positioning system (GPS) that can be used by navigator;

Fig. 2 is the schematic diagram of the electronic building brick of the navigator of the formation embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is the schematic diagram of the part that is coupled to communication unit of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is schematically showing that the employed framework of navigator of Fig. 2 piles up;

Fig. 5 is the schematic diagram of navigator when being arranged in the vehicles of Fig. 2;

The schematic diagram that Fig. 6 arranges for the optional butt joint that is used for the vehicles of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is the internuncial schematic diagram between FM tuner, navigator and the antenna input adapter of Fig. 5;

Fig. 8 is the more detailed maps of the antenna input adapter of Fig. 5 and Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 transmits the flow chart of the method for radiofrequency signal for the navigator of using Fig. 2;

Figure 10 is the screenshot capture from the display of the navigator of the method for following Fig. 9 to Figure 15;

Figure 16 is the curve chart of the FM frequency spectrum operating position when using the antenna input adapter of Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8;

The attach most importance to flow chart of method of tunable receiver of Figure 17;

Figure 18 is near the curve chart of frequency modulation (FM) the frequency spectrum operating position when using the antenna input adapter of Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 the FM launching tower; And

The flow chart of the response that Figure 19 makes the method for Figure 17 for receiver.

Embodiment

To use same reference numerals to discern same section all the time in the following description.

With reference to PND one or more embodiment of the present invention are described with specific now.Yet, should remember, teaching herein is not limited to PND, but can generally be applicable to the processing unit of any kind, and for example (but on non-intrinsically safe) is configured and carries out navigation software so that provide route planning and the processing unit of navigation feature with portability and/or move mode.Therefore, this shows, in this article under the situation of the embodiment that is stated, set route planning and the navigator that includes, but is not limited to any kind of navigator, no matter described device is to be presented as the vehicles such as PND, for example automobile, still in fact be presented as the portable computing resource, for example carry out portable personal computer (PC), mobile phone or the PDA(Personal Digital Assistant) of for example route planning and navigation software.In fact,, can only use music players such as mobile phone, smart phone, for example MP3 player with regard to not having some embodiment of benefit of route planning or navigation software, or its analog.

Remember above collateral condition, use global positioning system (GPS) and its analog of Fig. 1 for multiple purpose.In general, GPS is based on satellite-wireless navigation system, and it can determine continuous position, speed, time and (in some cases) directional information for an infinite number user.The GPS that was called NAVSTAR in the past incorporates into a plurality of satellites that turn round around the earth in split hair track.Based on these accurate tracks, gps satellite can be relayed to its position any number receiving element.

When special equipment begins to scan the radio frequency that is used for gps satellite signal with the device that receives gps data, implement gps system.After receiving radio signal from gps satellite, described device is at once via a kind of exact position of determining described satellite in the multiple various conventional method.As a rule, described device will continue scanning seeking signal, obtain at least three different satellite-signals (noticing that usually (but can) do not use other triangulation technique only to determine the position with two signals) up to it.After implementing geometric triangulation, receiver utilizes three known positions to determine himself two-dimensional position with respect to satellite.Can carry out this in a known way determines.In addition, obtaining the 4th satellite-signal allows receiving system to calculate its three-dimensional position in a known way by same geometrical calculation.Position and speed data can be by infinite number user real-time update continuously.

As shown in fig. 1, gps system 100 comprises a plurality of satellites 102 around the earth 104 runnings.The some satellites of gps receiver 106 from described a plurality of satellites 102 receive spread spectrum gps satellite data-signal 108.Spread data signals 108 is to launch continuously from each satellite 102, spread data signals 108 each self-contained data flow of being launched, described data flow comprise the described source data stream of identification in the information of particular satellite 102.Gps receiver 106 usually need be from the spread data signals 108 of at least three satellites 102 so that can calculate two-dimensional position.Reception to the 4th spread data signals makes gps receiver 106 can use known technology to calculate three-dimensional position.

Referring to Fig. 2, it should be noted that the block diagram of navigator 200 does not comprise all component of navigator, but only represent many example components.Navigator 200 is positioned at shell (not shown).Navigator 200 comprises processor 202, and described processor 202 is coupled to input unit 204 and display unit (for example, display screen 206).Although herein with reference to the input unit 204 of singulative, but it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that, the any number of input unit 204 an expression input unit comprises key board unit, speech input unit, touch panel and/or in order to any other known input unit of input information.Equally, display screen 206 can comprise for example display screen of LCD any kinds such as (LCD).

In a layout, an aspect (touch panel) of input unit 204 and display screen 206 through integrated so that integrated form input and display unit to be provided, described integrated form input and display unit comprise touch pads or touch-screen input 310 (Fig. 6), to realize showing both, make a part that the user only needs touch display screen 206 with regard to one in the optional majority demonstration alternate item or activate one in a plurality of virtual or " soft " buttons via the information input (via direct input, menu selection etc.) and the information of touch panel screen.In this respect, the processor 202 support graphical user interface (GUI) of operating in conjunction with touch-screen.

In navigator 200, processor 202 is via connecting 210 and functionally be connected to input unit 204 and can be via connecting 210 and receive input information from input unit 204, and connects 212 and functionally be connected in display screen 206 and the output device 208 at least one with to its output information via corresponding output.Output device 208 can be listened output device (for example, comprising loud speaker) for (for example).Because output device 208 can be the user of navigator 200 and produces audible information, therefore should understand equally, input unit 204 can comprise that also microphone and software are to be used for receiving the input voice commands.In addition, navigator 200 also can comprise any extra input unit 204 and/or any extra output device, for example audio frequency input/output device.Processor 202 functionally is coupled to memory resource 214 via connection 216, and through further adaptive with via connecting 220 from I/O (I/O) port 218 reception information/information is sent to I/O port 218, wherein I/O port 218 can be connected to the I/O device 222 in navigator 200 outsides.Memory resource 214 comprises: (for example) volatile memory, for example random-access memory (ram); And nonvolatile memory, for example digital storage, for example flash memory.Exterior I/O device 222 can include, but is not limited to outside listening device, for example earphone.To the connection of I/O device 222 can be in addition (for example, the car stereo unit) wired or wireless connection for example is used for hands-free operation and/or is used for the operation of voice activation formula, is used to be connected to earphone or headphone in order to take office what its external device (ED).

Fig. 2 further specifies between processor 202 and the antenna/receiver 224 and connects via the operability that is connected 226, and wherein antenna/receiver 224 can be (for example) gps antenna/receiver.Should be understood that for explanation the antenna and the receiver that schematically make up by reference number 224 expressions, but antenna and receiver can be assembly positioned apart, and antenna can be (for example) GPS paster antenna or helical antenna.

Described herein functional in order to support, processor 202 also is coupled to frequency modulation (FM) port 228.

Certainly, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the electronic building brick of being showed among Fig. 2 is to be powered by one or more power supplys (not shown) in a usual manner.As those skilled in the art will appreciate that the difference configuration of the assembly of being showed among expection Fig. 2.For instance, the assembly of being showed among Fig. 2 can the intercommunication mutually via wired and/or wireless connections etc.Therefore, navigator 200 described herein can be portable or handheld navigation equipment 200.

Then referring to Fig. 3, processor 202 can be communicated by letter with radio data system (RDS) communication unit 254 via FM port 228.RDS communication unit 254 comprises RDS encoder 256 and in order to the telecommunication circuit according to RDS technical specification (for example, as at IEC/CENELEC EN 62106 standards of RDS described in) transmitting audio frequency data and RDS data.Because the RDS communication unit is known in this technology, therefore and for simplicity, will not provide more detailed description herein to the structure of RDS communication unit 254 for describe clear.Yet, should be appreciated that, RDS communication unit 254 comprises FM reflector (not shown), FM receiver (not shown) and is coupled to traffic message channel (TMC) receiver (not shown) of RDS output port 258 that described RDS output port 258 is supported the wired connection of described RDS communication unit 254.

Then referring to Fig. 4, memory resource 214 storage bootstrap loading device programs (boot loader program) (not shown), described bootstrap loading device program is carried out to carry out the environment that described operating system 262 provides application software 264 to operate therein from memory resource 214 load operation systems 262 for functional hardware assembly 260 by processor 202.Operating system 262 is used for controlled function nextport hardware component NextPort 260, and resides between application software 264 and the functional hardware assembly 260.Application software 264 provides operating environment, and described operating environment comprises the GUI of the Core Feature of supporting navigator 200 (for example, map is inspected, route planning, navigation feature and any other function of being associated therewith).

Referring to Fig. 5, in following example, will in the vehicles, use navigator 200, (for example for example have the interior entertainment systems of the vehicles, audio entertainment system for example wherein has the FM broadcast receiver 302 or the tuner of FM receiver (not shown) and display 303) automobile 300.FM broadcast receiver 302 is coupled to speaker system 304.Yet, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that, can in other environment, dispose navigator 200, have the FM receiver with RDS ability that is coupled to one or more loud speakers in described environment, the audio frequency output that derives from the audio signal of another device or equipment needs to use loud speaker.In this example, navigator 200 is coupled to antenna input adapter device 306, and described antenna input adapter 306 is coupling between FM tuner 302 and the antenna (not shown) in line.In order to promote it to use, can with the portable of Fig. 2 or handheld navigation equipment 200 connects in a known way or " butt joint " arrives automobile 300 or any other suitable vehicles (for example, bicycle, motorcycle, automobile or ship).Then can remove navigator 200 from docking location for portable or handheld navigation use.(Fig. 6) in this respect, navigator 200 can be the unit of other assembly (including, but is not limited to inner gps receiver 224, microprocessor 202, power supply (not shown), memory resource 214 etc.) that comprises integrated form input and display unit 310 and Fig. 2.

Navigator 200 can be positioned on the arm 312, can use sucker 314 with arm 312 self be fastened to vehicle dashboard/window/etc.An example of the dock that this arm 312 can be docked to for navigator 200.Can be by navigator 200 hasps being connected to the arm 312 that arm 312 docks navigator 200 or otherwise be connected to dock.Navigator 200 can then rotation on arm 312.In order to discharge being connected between navigator 200 and the dock, can (for example) push the button (not shown) on the navigator 200.Be used for that navigator 200 is coupled to dock and be that the those skilled in the art is well-known from other layout that is fit to equally of dock decoupling navigator 200.

Then referring to Fig. 7, the first input end mouth 316 of antenna input adapter 306 is coupled to antenna 318 by antenna cable 320.Second input port 322 of antenna input adapter 306 is the RDS output port 258 that is coupled to navigator 200 by wired connection (for example, first antenna patch lead-in wire 324).The output port 326 of antenna input adapter 306 is coupled to the antenna input port 328 of FM tuner 302 by second antenna patch lead-in wire 330.

Referring to Fig. 8, the first input end mouth 316 of antenna input adapter 306 is coupled to the output port 326 of antenna input adapter 306 via first switch unit 332.First input end mouth 316 also is coupled to earthing potential 334 via antenna switch unit 336.The output port 326 of antenna input adapter 306 also is coupled to second input port 322 of antenna input adapter 306 via second switch unit 338.Antenna input adapter 306 also comprises control unit 340, and described control unit 340 is coupled to second input port 322 of antenna input adapter 306.In this example, control unit 340 also is coupled to first switch unit 332, antenna switch unit 336 and second switch unit 338, so that can optionally operate first switch unit 332, antenna switch unit 336 and second switch unit 338.

In this example, first switch unit 332, antenna switch unit 336 and second switch unit 338 are any suitable switching device shifter, for example RF attenuator, field-effect transistor (FET) or any other compatible solid state switching device.In fact, the device that is used for the described type of first switch unit 332, antenna switch unit 336 and second switch unit 338 can be the combination (is favourable to given application if form described combination) of dissimilar switching device shifters.

Although in this example antenna input adapter 306 is described as external device (ED), it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that antenna input adapter 306 can be used as internal module and is provided in (for example) FM tuner 302 or the navigator 200.In these a little embodiment, should be understood that however antenna input adapter module still is used for the antenna input port of adaptive FM tuner, it will otherwise be directly coupled to antenna 318, and be difficult automated manner with the ability of antenna 318 from 302 decouplings of FM tuner.

(Fig. 9) in operation, for describing for simplicity, suppose antenna input adapter 306 is placed in the automobile 300, and the first input end mouth 316 of antenna input adapter 306 is coupled to antenna 318, and output port 326 is coupled to FM tuner 302 in the mode above described.In addition, under acquiescence first state, control unit 340 is provided with the electric coupling that first switch unit 332 arrives output port 326 with the first input end mouth 316 of permitting antenna input adapter 306.Under first state, control unit 340 also be provided with antenna switch unit 336 with first input end mouth 316 and therefore with antenna 318 from earthing potential 334 decouplings, and second switch unit 338 is set with second input port 322 and therefore with output port 326 decouplings of navigator 200 from antenna input adapter 306.

In this example, the user of navigator 200 wishes to use the traffic of navigator 200 to dodge functionally to be driven to office from family.After entering automobile 300, the user uses first antenna patch lead-in wire, the 324 RDS output ports 258 with navigator 200 to be coupled to second input port 322 of antenna input adapter 306, to finish the configuration of above having described about Fig. 7.The user then powers up (step 400) to navigator 200 (Figure 10), and touches touch-screen display 310 to enter the menu structure of being supported by GUI (step 402).The user then selects (step 404) " change preference " menu option 350 (Figure 11), and follows by described menu structure (step 406) to arrive " loud speaker preference " menu option 352 (Figure 12).After selecting loud speaker preference menu option 352, GUI shows the first loud speaker preference options screen 354 (Figure 13) with respect to listened to instruction that navigator 200 provided at once.Therefore in this example, the user wishes to play the described instruction of listening via the loud speaker in the automobile 300 304, and selects (step 408) option 356 that " is tuned to your auto radio ".The user then pushes " finishing " soft key 358 and has made final selection with indication, and GUI then with respect to by or the music that provides via navigator 200 and show the second loud speaker preference options screen 360 (Figure 14).In this example, the electronic music player might be coupled to navigator 200, come playing back music via navigator 200 (via the internal loudspeaker of navigator 200, or another outside output device) so that permit.For the sake of simplicity, this example no music player of supposition or other audio signal source are coupled to navigator 200.Yet, be understood by those skilled in the art that the principle of describing about playing navigation instruction via the loud speaker 304 of FM broadcast receiver 302 is applicable to the option that uses loud speaker 304 about other audio signal source herein.Because above supposition, the user does not revise any option of being presented in respect to music on the second loud speaker preference options screen 360, and only pushes another and " finish " soft key 362.

After this, RDS communication unit 254 can produce (step 409) and trigger or control signal, described signal is sent to antenna input adapter 306 via first antenna patch lead-in wire 324, and is detected by the coupling of control unit 340 by control unit 340 to second input ports 322.Yet, in this example, constitute described control signal in order to the RF signal that transmits described audio-frequency information.In response to the reception of described triggering signal, the circuit of control unit 340 makes antenna input adapter 306 be converted to second state with the first input end mouth 316 with antenna input adapter 306 from output port 326 decouplings by first switch unit 332 is set.Under second state, therefore control unit 340 also is provided with antenna switch unit 336 with first input end mouth 316 and antenna 318 is coupled to earthing potential 334, and second switch unit 338 is set substitutes first input end mouths 316 and be coupled to output port 326 with second input port 322 with antenna input adapter 306.

With the processor 202 of RDS communication unit 254 cooperation then scanning (step 410) divide frequency band or the scope that is used in the FM radio broadcasting, and identification is not taken by other broadcaster and therefore can serve as a plurality of usable frequencies and a plurality of corresponding replacement frequencies (AF) of the frequency that FM receiver or broadcast receiver 302 may be tuned to.Processor 202 is then selected (step 412) several A F from described a plurality of AF, and selected several A F is by memory resource 214 storages the memory resource of RDS communication unit 254 (but can use).In this respect, it is to be used to store 25 AF that the known typical memory of being done with respect to the FM receiver is distributed, this with can use the RDS technical specification in the 0A type message that proposed and the number about the replacement frequency of PI sign indicating number launched is consistent.Optional is, for fear of (for example filling up receiver, FM broadcast receiver 302) memory, processor 202 is made as the predetermined maximum number of AF with the upper limit of the number of selected AF, and described predetermined maximum number is than capacity little (for example) the clauses and subclauses allowance of the typical memory capacity of receiver.For instance, the number of selected AF can be less than 25, and for example about 20.In case select several A F from a plurality of AF that discerned, the RDS communication unit 254 of navigator 200 just be tuned to above selected through tuned frequency and emission (step 414) RDS data (for example, 0A type group), it comprises the tabulation of selected AF.Certainly, RDS communication unit 254 other RDS data of emission are for example with described program identification code and the program service name (" Tom Tom ") that is associated through tuned frequency.In this example, can produce program identification code for the proposed technology of the known portable electric appts of those skilled in the art according to RDS forum.In addition, transmit the AF tabulation via a series of message or group usually.

GUI then forwards instructions screen (Figure 15) to, its instruction user with FM broadcast receiver 302 (in this example, it is arranged in automobile 300) be tuned to by the channel of program service name " Tom Tom " identification.Therefore the user is provided with FM broadcast receiver 302 and seeks several (steps 416) with scanning, and the RDS ability of FM broadcast receiver 302 can be presented detected each title by the display 303 of FM broadcast receiver 302.

Therefore, described scanning imaging system finally causes FM broadcast receiver 302 to be tuned to Tom Tom " channel ", with Tom Tom channel associated frequency be through tuned frequency.Also receive RDS data (the 0A type group that for example, comprises the tabulation of selected AF) through tuned frequency with respect to described.As the part of tuning process, the selected AF that FM broadcast receiver 302 will receive in the corresponding space of being distributed is stored in its memory that keeps for the channel that is just receiving (not shown).

In case FM broadcast receiver 302 has obtained " Tom Tom " broadcasting, the user just pushes another and " finishes " soft key 364 (Figure 15), and GUI responds to map display screen (Figure 10) by returning (step 418).

In case FM broadcast receiver 302 has been tuned to Tom Tom channel, in case for example the user of navigator 200 has been provided with route or provides instruction to avoid traffic, loud speaker 304 just reproduces the audio signal (for example, navigation instruction) that navigator 200 is launched.In this respect, be sent to FM broadcast receiver 312 via the RF signal that will be associated with described audio-frequency information from navigator 200 by first antenna patch lead-in wire, 324 and second antenna patch lead-in wire 330 and antenna input adapter 306 formative wired connections.

Though in above example, RDS communication unit 254 has been searched for and (has for example been sought described a plurality of usable frequencies, all usable frequencies), but it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that, during the scanning process of being undertaken by navigator 200, only can discern a required number AF and transmit being used for, and unidentified all usable frequencies or more than the frequency of required frequency.For instance, the AF that processor 202 runs in the time of can only being chosen in scanning, and in case found enough AF just to stop the upper limit of being implemented to observe.

Then, can find out that antenna 318 is used for suppressing the RF signal that is received via antenna 318 by FM broadcast receiver 302 or making its decay to the coupling of earthing potential 334 referring to Figure 16.In fact, can by only with antenna 318 from the output port 326 of antenna input adapter 306 and therefore need not that from 302 decouplings of FM broadcast receiver it is coupled to earthing potential 334 and realize decay.Yet when antenna 318 was coupled to earthing potential 334, the degree of decay was improved.As can be seen from Figure 16, make usually and have the RF signal attenuation that receives on the FM channel of the strong signal strength signal intensity that is associated, provide channel " headroom " whereby (promptly, reception viewpoint from navigator 200 and FM broadcast receiver 302, the FM channel " does not have " the RF signal), thus provide a large amount of available channels for the process that audio-frequency information is sent to FM broadcast receiver 302 from navigator 200, using.In this respect, the RF signal attenuation that makes the strong signal strength signal intensity of tool usually is to a certain level, and described whereby RF signal no longer is remarkable interference source.In addition, because the wired connection between navigator 200 and the FM broadcast receiver 302, higher with the received signal intensity that Tom Tom channel 372 is associated, and have the essence allowance between the received signal intensity of the received signal intensity of Tom Tom channel 372 and other FM channel of receiving via antenna 318.In fact, use automatic gain control (AGC) so that make under the situation of the RF signal attenuation that is associated with Tom Tom channel 372 at FM broadcast receiver 302, also realize further decay, also make whereby be generally good but and the non-required RF signal of above being mentioned that receives further decay.Certainly, under the situation optionally, can realize better decay at AGC.

Then referring to Figure 17, navigator 200 (via RDS communication unit 254) emission (step 420) RDS data, described RDS data comprise several A F as mentioned above, described AF is stored in the storage space of being distributed of FM broadcast receiver 302.When navigator 200 is being advanced, FM frequency spectrum view changes, because the signal that derives from some FM signal projectors is advanced and become towards these FM signal projectors and preponderate along with automobile 300, and the signal that derives from some other FM signal projectors is advanced away from these FM signal projectors along with automobile 300 and is become and do not preponderate.Therefore, the received signal intensity that records with respect to some FM channels at FM tuner place increases, and reduces with respect to the received signal intensity of other FM channel.Therefore, along with navigator 200 and the FM broadcast receiver 302 approaching given FM signal projectors of broadcasting on tuned frequency at FM broadcast receiver 302, interference will increase and the received signal intensity decreases.RDS communication unit 254 (via its FM receiver) monitors described interference, and, just think to be necessary RDS communication unit 254 retunings to another frequency in case the level of disturbing reaches the harmful level of quality that is considered to the reproduction of the audio-frequency information launched by 302 pairs of navigator 200 of FM broadcast receiver.In this respect, the several A F from previous selection selects (step 424) described another frequency.Usually, described another frequency is the AF in the AF tabulation (it is several A F).In case the FM reflector has been selected described another frequency, RDS communication unit 254 is carried out the search (step 426) to AF with regard to then proceeding, and carries out the generation (step 428) of the RDS data that comprise new AF then.The new AF that finds is stored in the memory 214 to replace the previous several A F that selects.RDS communication unit 254 then retuning (step 430) is for example discerned the 0A type group of new AF to another frequency and emission (step 432) the 2nd RDS data.Therefore, advance along with automobile 300 and the therefore FM frequency spectrum view that changes of the change in location and considering of navigator 200 and FM broadcast receiver 302.

At FM broadcast receiver 302 places (Figure 18), its receiver monitors (step 450) received signal intensity.When enough strong with the received signal intensity that is associated through tuned frequency, the receiver of FM broadcast receiver 302 continues receiving on tuned frequency according to the RDS technical specification.Yet when received signal intensity drops to threshold value when following, its memory of FM broadcast receiver 302 accesses is with the AF of identification from the several A F in the memory that is stored in FM broadcast receiver 302, and retuning (step 452) is to a selected AF.FM broadcast receiver 302 then monitor (step 454) with from the memory search of FM broadcast receiver 302 to the received signal intensity that is associated of an AF.If the signal strength signal intensity deficiency that is associated with an AF, so FM broadcast receiver 302 once more its memory of access with identification from the 2nd AF of the several A F in the memory that is stored in FM broadcast receiver 302, and retuning (step 456) is to selected the 2nd AF.Repeat above program (step 454 and 456), till finding another AF with enough signal strength signal intensities associated therewith.

In case FM receiver 302 has tuned to the AF with enough signal strength signal intensities associated therewith and correct program identification code, FM broadcast receiver 302 just continues to receive the 2nd RDS data by navigator 200 emissions as described above.In particular, FM broadcast receiver 302 receives the 0A type group of the new AF of (step 458) identification, and record (step 460) described new AF is with the several A F in the memory that replaces the current FM of being stored in broadcast receiver 302.Therefore, the several A F that before had been stored in the memory of FM broadcast receiver 302 is replaced by the described new AF that receives from navigator 200 on another frequency, and therefore the memory of FM broadcast receiver 302 is cleared up.

In case the user has used navigator 200, and navigator 200 power down or first antenna patch lead-in wire 324 are joined machine 306 disconnections from navigator 200 and/or antenna input, control unit 340 is just operated first switching device shifter 332, antenna-switching device 336 and the 3rd switching device shifter 338, makes antenna input adapter 306 change back to first state as described above.In fact, although in this example, response that control unit 340 is made relies on control unit 340 to monitor first antenna patch lead-in wire 324 and is automatically, but navigator 200 can through arrange with to antenna input adapter 306 special issue control signals to implement the transformation of first state of getting back to.In this respect, in this embodiment, control unit 340 uses the existence of the RF signal that receives in second input port, 332 places or does not exist as described control signal.Certainly, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that to provide independent special-purpose control line as one sees fit between navigator 200 and antenna input adapter 306, thereby to provide described control signal to influence the control logic of control unit 340.

In above embodiment, the RDS communication unit 254 scanning FM frequency spectrums of navigator 200 are to seek AF.Above embodiment supposition: rare because the decay that machine 306 is provided is joined in the antenna input to the needs of retuning, because the FM signal that receives via antenna 318 is suppressed.Yet, (Figure 18) in some instances, automobile 300 and therefore navigator 200 and FM broadcast receiver 302 are advanced and passed by near strong emission source or near strong emission source.In this respect, if the reflector of FM broadcast receiver 302 close enoughs (for example) broadcast radio channel, so as expected, even just carry out to other FM channel 376 when receiving the decay of RF signal, the received signal intensity of FM channel 374 is still high as to be enough to be received (it has enough channel separation usually) by FM broadcast receiver 302.Usually, the FM channel between 3 and 8 of the reflector emissions, and therefore, if these launch in the FM channel any one overlap with in tuned frequency or selected AF any one, navigator 200 and FM broadcast receiver 302 need retuning to arrive usable frequency so.In some geographic areas, have necessary ratio and in other geographic area, trigger retuning more continually, and therefore, will exist the needs of the increase of retuning more continually.Under described situation, more frequent retuning and the FM frequency spectrum view of ignoring (as mentioned initial illustrated) change scanned the enjoyment of listening to that the needs of seeking AF can destroy user in the automobile 300 or other listener.Therefore, in order to reduce scanning FM spectral frequencies scope time necessary amount, can randomly adopt following technology.

(Figure 18) in another embodiment replaces the whole FM frequency spectrum of scanning, and RDS communication unit 254 can select the some candidates in the described FM frequency spectrum to replace Frequency point.In this example, described some candidates replace Frequency point (for example, 25 Frequency points) on described FM frequency spectrum equably at interval.Yet described some candidates replace Frequency point can replace distribution at random on the frequency spectrum at FM as one sees fit.Revise the above-mentioned scanning of seeking AF, make RDS communication unit 254 only (for example) replace frequency with respect to some candidates to scan by to replacing near each in the frequency some candidates and comprising that described each corresponding frequencies scope rather than whole FM spectral frequencies scope carry out frequency sweep.By the bandwidth of the size of the frequency range of frequency sweep corresponding to (for example) FM " channel ".In this respect, RDS communication unit 254 identification from some candidates replace frequency available (for example, undisturbed) frequency sets, and the described frequency sets that RDS communication unit 254 permits being discerned be used as AF and thereby be transmitted, and stop with respect to retuning and will be in future from all the other unavailable frequencies of some replacement frequencies as AF.

Therefore, replace scanning whole FM spectral frequencies scope, RDS communication unit 254 only must scan the part of FM spectral frequencies scope, and therefore, scanning process spends the less time.If desired, RDS communication unit 254 can use a plurality of FM receivers and replace frequency sets so that scan different candidates.When in conjunction with above when using the damping capacity of antenna input adapter 306 through improved scanning technique, some candidates replace and exist among the frequency abundant frequency with the interference of the FM channel avoiding near reflector is broadcasted with from any possible interference of other device that is equipped with SRR that enough approaches FM broadcast receiver 302.

In another embodiment, replace using FM receiver as described above, can use the TMC receiver of RDS communication unit 254 to carry out the scanning of replacing frequency with respect to some candidates.Usually, TMC broadcasting provides the abundant small time slot that does not contain the TMC data, can not lose the reception of TMC message respectively carrying out each scanning during the empty slot to permit (for example) during described candidate replaces the measurement of frequency.Empty slot can be the time slot that does not comprise the TMC content.

Should be understood that in above example antenna input adapter 306, FM broadcast receiver 302 and navigator 200 constitute communication system.

Though mainly under the situation of RDS, described above example, but be understood by those skilled in the art that, can use above embodiment relatively with the different technologies standard of implementing in North America (for example,, being called radio broadcasting data system (RBDS)) in the U.S..Therefore, for avoiding query, the reference to RDS herein should be interpreted as also comprising RBDS.

Should be appreciated that though described various aspect of the present invention and embodiment before this, the specific arrangements that scope of the present invention is not limited to herein to be stated is arranged and its modification and changes but expand to all that contain in the scope that belongs to claims.

For instance, although it should be noted that RDS communication unit 254 described herein, can provide FM port 228 to be used for that outside RDS communication unit is coupled to navigator 200 or any portable electric appts that other is fit in navigator 200 inside.

As another example,, the embodiment described in the preceding detailed description can utilize any location sensing technology as to the substituting of GPS (or in fact, except GPS) though, it should be noted that navigator with reference to GPS.For instance, navigator can be utilized other Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), for example the European galileo that is proposed (Galileo) system (but in time spent).Similarly, navigator is not limited to based on satellite, but can be easy to use based on the beacon on ground or other any make device can determine that the system in its geographical position (for example, long-range navigation (LORAN)-C system) works.

As other example, should be appreciated that, although under the situation of navigator, described above embodiment, but technology described herein is not only applicable to navigator, and is applicable to any other electronic communication equipment, at this point, transmitting RDS or RDBS data are for the FM receiver (for example on the FM channel in hope, mobile phone or media player, for example music player, (but not exclusively) MP3 player or its annex in particular) receive.

Alternate embodiment of the present invention can be embodied as the computer program that uses with computer system, described computer program is the instruction of (for example) series of computation machine, described computer instruction for example is stored on the tangible data mediums such as floppy disc, CD-ROM, ROM or fixed disk, or be embodied in the computer data signal, described signal is via tangible medium or wireless medium (for example, microwave or infrared ray) and launch.The computer instruction of described series can constitute as described above functional all or part of, and also can be stored in any storage arrangement (volatibility or non-volatile), for example be stored in semiconductor memory system, magnetic memory device, optical storage apparatus or other storage arrangement.

The those skilled in the art also will understand very much, some is functional though preferred embodiment is implemented by software, but described functional can be similarly only in hardware (for example, by one or more ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC))) implement or in fact implement by the mixture of hardware and software.Thereby, scope of the present invention should be interpreted as only limiting to be implemented in the software.

At last, also note that, though claims propose the particular combinations of feature described herein, but scope of the present invention is not limited to the following particular combinations of advocating, truth is, scope of the present invention extends to any combination that comprises feature disclosed herein or embodiment, no matter whether specifically enumerated described particular combinations this moment in claims.

Claims (27)

1. antenna input adapter device, it comprises:

First radio frequency (RF) input, it is used to be coupled to antenna;

The 2nd RF input, its be used to be coupled to can the transmitting RF signal portable electric appts;

RF output, it is used to be coupled to the input of RF tuner; And

Control unit; Wherein

Described control unit is through arranging with under first state, described RF output is coupled in described RF input, and described the 2nd RF input is exported decoupling from described RF, and under second state, described RF input is exported decoupling from described RF, and described RF output is coupled in described the 2nd RF input, and the transformation between described first state and second state is in response to described control unit.

2. device according to claim 1, wherein said control unit is through arranging under described second state earthing potential is coupled in described RF input.

3. device according to claim 2 wherein in use, is coupled to described earthing potential with described RF input and makes the RF signal attenuation that receives via described antenna.

4. according to the described device of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim, wherein said control unit is through arranging to receive control signal in use and to carry out transformation between described first state and second state in response to described control signal.

5. according to the described device of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim, wherein in use, a described RF input receive with frequency modulation (FM) frequency spectrum associated frequency scope in a plurality of RF signals be in described second state following time by described RF tuner to receive through attenuated form.

6. according to the described device of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim, it further comprises:

First switch unit, it is coupling between described RF input and the described RF output; And

Second switch unit, it is coupling between described the 2nd RF input and the described RF output.

7. according to the described device of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim, it further comprises:

The antenna switch unit, it is coupling between described RF input and the described earthing potential.

8. according to the described device of arbitrary claim in the aforementioned claim, wherein said the 2nd RF input is through arranging the wired connection that is used for receiving from described portable electric appts described RF signal with reception.

9. communication system, it comprises:

Antenna;

According to the described antenna input adapter of arbitrary claim device in the aforementioned claim, described antenna is coupled to the RF input of described antenna input adapter device; Wherein

Portable electric appts comprises the RDS communication unit, and described RDS communication unit is coupled to the 2nd RF input of described antenna input adapter device.

10. system according to claim 9, wherein said portable electric appts is through arranging storing a plurality of replacement frequencies (AF) frequency, described AF frequency on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially equably at interval.

11. system according to claim 9, wherein said portable electric appts is through arranging storing a plurality of replacement frequencies (AF) frequency, described AF frequency on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially at random at interval.

12. according to claim 10 or the described system of claim 11, wherein said RDS communication unit is through arranging to carry out with respect to each the scanning in described a plurality of AF frequencies.

13. system according to claim 12 wherein comprises with respect to each scanning of the AF frequency in described a plurality of AF frequencies near the frequency range the described AF frequency is carried out frequency sweep.

14. according to claim 12 or the described system of claim 13, wherein said RDS communication unit is through arranging with identification any AF frequency in use, and stops with respect to retuning and use described any AF frequency of discerning in future.

15. system according to claim 9, wherein the FM communication unit through arrange with in response to detect through tuned frequency just using by the emission source that is different from described portable electric appts and from described through the tuned frequency retuning to another frequency, described another frequency is one in described a plurality of AF frequency.

16. a portable electronic commnication device, it comprises:

Radio data system (RDS) communication unit, it is used for audio signal is sent to the external RF tuner; Wherein

Described RDS communication unit is through arranging producing radio frequency (RF) antenna switching signal in use, to be used to trigger the decay of the RF signal that is received via antenna wireless by described external RF tuner.

17. equipment according to claim 16, it further comprises data storage, described data storage is through arranging storing a plurality of replacement frequencies (AF) frequency, and start-up phase for each the scanning in described a plurality of AF frequencies to determine described each the availability in described a plurality of AF frequencies.

18. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said a plurality of AF frequencies on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially equably at interval.

19. equipment according to claim 17, wherein said a plurality of AF frequencies on frequency modulation (FM) spectral frequencies scope substantially at random at interval.

20. according to claim 17 or the described equipment of claim 18, wherein comprise near the frequency range described AF frequency is carried out frequency sweep, to determine the whether available emission thereon of described AF frequency with respect to each scanning of the AF frequency in described a plurality of AF frequencies.

21. according to the described equipment of arbitrary claim in the claim 17 to 20, wherein said RDS communication unit is through arranging to select to be confirmed as in the described AF frequency in described a plurality of AF frequency an AF frequency of available emission thereon.

22. according to the described equipment of arbitrary claim in the claim 17 to 21, wherein said RDS communication unit is through arranging with identification AF frequency in use, and stops with respect to retuning and use the described AF frequency of discerning in future.

23. according to the described equipment of claim 17 to 22, wherein said RDS communication unit comprises traffic message channel (TMC) receiver, described TMC receiver is through arranging carrying out with respect to described each the described scanning in described a plurality of AF frequencies, to determine described each the availability in described a plurality of AF frequencies.

24. a portable navigating device, it comprises according to the described portable electronic commnication device of arbitrary claim in the claim 17 to 23.

25. one kind is sent to the method for external RF tuner with radio frequency (RF) signal from portable electric appts, described method comprises:

Described portable electric appts issue RF antenna switching signal;

In response to described RF antenna switching signal, making will be by any RF signal attenuation of described RF tuner via the antenna wireless reception.

26. a computer program element, it comprises uses so that computer is carried out the computer program code member of method according to claim 25.

27. computer program element according to claim 26, it is contained on the computer-readable media.

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